Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Recipe With Real Salmon Review

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Review of Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Recipe With Real Salmon

According to our data, this Instinct recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult dogs. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Recipe With Real Salmon is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for the maintenance of adult dogs.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Recipe With Real Salmon, we'll examine all 31 ingredients and highlight the nutritional contribution of each ingredient.

While the first few ingredients typically dominate the recipe's composition, ingredients in small quantities can still have a meaningful impact on the overall nutritional profile of the recipe.

  1. Salmon meal is a high-quality protein source that also provides omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health, as well as overall wellness.

  2. Salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals that support your dog's immune system, brain function, and skin and coat health.

  3. Peas are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. They can contribute to your dog's overall health and provide necessary nutrients.

  4. Tapioca is a gluten-free carbohydrate source that provides energy and can be easily digested by most dogs.

  5. Canola Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid) is a good source of monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, which can help support your dog's skin and coat health, as well as their overall health.

  6. Montmorillonite clay is a natural source of minerals and can help support your dog's digestive health by binding and eliminating toxins in the gastrointestinal tract.

  7. Natural flavor is added to dog food to enhance its taste and make it more appealing to your pet. This can help encourage your dog to eat a balanced and nutritious diet, supporting their overall health and well-being.

  8. Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.

  9. While salt is a necessary component of a dog's diet, providing essential minerals such as sodium and chloride for proper cellular function, it should be provided in moderation to avoid health issues like hypertension or kidney damage.

  10. Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.

  11. Coconut Oil is a source of healthy fats which can support your dog's skin and coat health, and it also possesses some antimicrobial properties.

  12. L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate is a stable form of vitamin C, an essential antioxidant that supports your dog's immune system, joint health, and overall wellness.

  13. Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.

  14. Niacin supplement is an important source of vitamin B3, which plays a crucial role in supporting your dog's energy metabolism, nervous system function, and overall health. It also aids in maintaining healthy skin and coat, as well as promoting proper digestion.

  15. Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.

  16. D-Calcium Pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid, a B-vitamin that helps in energy metabolism and the synthesis of important compounds in the body.

  17. Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.

  18. Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.

  19. Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a source of vitamin B6, which is essential for your dog's nervous system function, immune health, and red blood cell production.

  20. Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.

  21. Folic acid is a crucial B-vitamin that aids in the synthesis of DNA and supports healthy cell growth. It's essential for maintaining your dog's overall health, particularly during periods of rapid growth.

  22. Vitamin D3 supplement is an essential vitamin that supports bone health, immune function, and overall well-being in dogs. It helps regulate calcium and phosphorus balance in the body, promoting strong and healthy bones.

  23. Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.

  24. Zinc proteinate is a highly absorbable form of zinc. It helps support a healthy immune system, skin, and coat in dogs.

  25. Iron proteinate is a chelated form of iron that is more easily absorbed by your dog's body, supporting their red blood cell production and overall health.

  26. Copper Proteinate is a chelated form of copper that's easier for dogs to absorb, aiding in red blood cell formation and iron absorption.

  27. Manganese Proteinate is a chelated form of manganese, a mineral that supports bone health, metabolism and enzymatic reactions.

  28. Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.

  29. Ethylenediamine dihydriodide is a form of iodine used in dog foods. Iodine is crucial for your dog's thyroid health, which regulates metabolism and energy.

  30. Freeze dried cod is a high-quality source of protein that supports muscle development and provides omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health. The freeze-drying process retains the nutritional content while providing convenience and a longer shelf life.

  31. Rosemary extract is a natural antioxidant that can help protect your dog's body from the harmful effects of free radicals. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can support your dog's overall health and well-being, particularly in regard to joint health.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The crude protein content of a minimum of 28.00% is likely contributed largely by the salmon meal and salmon listed as the first two ingredients. Salmon meal, being a concentrated form of fish protein after water has been removed, is a particularly dense source of protein. The inclusion of peas also adds to the protein content, as peas contain plant-based proteins.

The crude fat content of a minimum of 18.00% is primarily derived from the salmon, which is naturally rich in fish oils and fats. Additionally, canola oil, preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid, is a significant source of fat. Canola oil is known for its content of healthy unsaturated fats. Coconut oil listed further down the ingredient list also contributes to the overall fat content with its saturated fats.

Crude fiber at a maximum of 3.00% suggests that this food is not very high in fiber. The primary sources of fiber in this food are likely the peas and possibly the montmorillonite clay. Peas contain plant fiber, and montmorillonite clay may contribute minimally to the fiber content, although it is often included in pet foods for other health benefits such as aiding in digestion and as a source of minerals.

The caloric content of 4335.00 per kg is a measure of the energy provided by the food. This is influenced by the combined macronutrients: protein, fat, and carbohydrates. In this case, the high protein from salmon meal and salmon, along with the fats from salmon, canola oil, and coconut oil, are the primary contributors to the total calorie count. The carbohydrates from peas and tapioca also contribute to the caloric content, though to a lesser extent compared to the proteins and fats.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Recipe With Real Salmon costs approximately $4.71 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightAdult
5 lbs $23.27
10 lbs $39.13
15 lbs $53.03
20 lbs $65.80
30 lbs $89.19
40 lbs $110.67
50 lbs $130.83
60 lbs $150.00
70 lbs $168.38
80 lbs $186.12
90 lbs $203.31
100 lbs $220.03

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Many customers have expressed satisfaction with the Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Recipe with Real Salmon, noting improvements in their dogs' coat health and digestion, especially for senior dogs or those with limited diets. The product is praised for its high-quality ingredients and its suitability for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies.

Some negative experiences were reported, such as instances of dogs refusing to eat the food or experiencing adverse reactions like vomiting or diarrhea. However, these cases appear to be isolated and may be related to individual dogs' specific health issues or preferences rather than the overall quality of the product.

Several pet owners have highlighted the benefits of the food for dogs with allergies and food sensitivities, with reports of reduced itching and better overall health. The kibble's limited ingredients are appreciated for being a healthier option for dogs with specific dietary needs.

A few customers encountered issues with the consistency and smell of the product from bag to bag, but these seem to be exceptions. The majority of customers report that their dogs enjoy the taste of the salmon recipe and that it has positively impacted their pets' health and well-being.

Despite some concerns about the product's smell and the occasional supply chain issues affecting availability, the overall sentiment among customers is that Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Recipe with Real Salmon is an effective and well-received food choice for their dogs, particularly for those with dietary restrictions.